Even before the first set of headers, or the first custom intake manifold, or even the first set of mag wheels, guys have been racing their cars to see who’s the fastest.

Even when there weren’t any restraints like we have today, there was nothing to stop enthusiasts from putting the petal to the floor and making sure their opponent was in the rear view mirror.

It all began with stop sign to stop sign, or this tree to that tree, then it became a bit more organized and we saw professional drag racing. Racers were taking each other on from a standing start and at the end of the quarter mile the winner celebrated. But a quarter mile isn’t going to cut it for this shootout, not by a long shot.

Down in Clayton, GA, you can find racers lining up against each other in the Georgia 1/2 Mile Shootout held at Heaven’s Landing Airport. On any other day, it’s a beautiful, countryside airport with sprawling hills and trees, and the view is spectacular. On September 22, 2012, however, it wasn’t about airport runways. It was about who was the fastest in a half-mile race to the finish.

The event, put on by WannaGOFAST, was the focus of their motto: going fast. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a spectacular back drop for this event, which saw participants picking their opponent and then preparing for takeoff, as the starting line sign points out. The private 5,069 foot runway, for about 100 entrants, became their own personal dragstrip with no limitations on horsepower or speed. 1,100 spectators filled the hills, and a great time was had by all.

Races like this are done throughout the country, and with dragstrips shutting down events like these are another way to get out on the road and go as fast as you want to without repercussion. So enjoy the video, and if you finally want to get the “who’s car is faster” thing settled once and for all, check out their web site and see if they might know of an event near you.